Mirror of the Ages - Published in 1897, Chikanobu's beautiful series "Mirror of the Ages" celebrates the beauty and fashions of women of the past. Each print in this delightful series features a single portrait of a young beauty, always carefully and stylishly made up, wearing the traditional contemporary fashion of her time. In the rectangular inset above the figure, Chikanobu has drawn a scene from the same time period suggesting a place where one might see this young beauty. This wonderful series was printed to the highest quality with fine line work and soft shading, and often with additional embellishments, such as delicate embossing or burnishing. A lovely series and collector's favorite.

The Kyotoku Era (1452 - 1455) - Striking portrait of a beauty with a very intricate and unusual hairstyle, with a small ponytail fixed into three oval loops above the center of her forehead. The rest of her finely detailed hair is combed smoothly back over her ears, with a few loose strands framing her face. Her face is softly shaded pink about the eyes, and her natural eyebrows have been shaved and replaced with high "moth's wing" ones. She wears a red and orange brocade outer kimono over a white under robe with a delicately embossed collar. The inset above shows a lacquer craftsman and a man working on sword scabbards. A charming and rarely seen design from this lovely series.

Artist - Chikanobu (1838 - 1912)

Image Size - 12 3/4" x 8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Horizontal centerfold. Slight toning. Please see photos for details.